All US missions in Saudi Arabia closed for security reviews after warning of a serious threat of attacks in the kingdom in a climate of deadly clashes between suspected al-Qaeda militants and police.
In the United States, media reported that al-Qaeda operatives may be planning to hijack cargo jets in Saudi, Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean and use them to attack power plants and other critical infrastructure. “The embassy continues to receive credible information the terrorists in Saudi Arabia have moved from the planning to operational phase of planned attacks in the kingdom,” the US embassy said Saturday in a recorded “warden” message. “The embassy strongly urges all American citizens in the kingdom to be especially vigilant when in any area that is perceived to be American or Western. “In light of the seriousness of the current threat, the embassy in Riyadh and the US consulates general in Jeddah and Dhahran will close on Saturday, November 8, to review their current security posture,” it added. “The American community will be advised when this review is completed and when the US mission plans to resume normal operations.” Full Story